A sea freight shipment is among the oldest methods of international shipping. In addition to being one of the cheapest and most efficient options, it is also the most reliable.
Many business owners turn to sea freight forwarding when dealing with bulky or oversized cargo. A sea freight transportation service is vital for UK-based businesses to get their cargo from point A to point B in a timely manner.
If you’re considering hiring a sea freight forwarder, it’s important to understand your options for shipping and what will be the most effective for your company.
Several types of sea freight shipments
You should consider the types of sea shipping before using sea freight forwarding services provided by a reliable forwarder. Firstly, there’s tramping.
It is essentially a charter service that is available on demand, unlike regular lines that offer it on a regular basis. Sea freight shipping of this type is less common, and raw materials such as wood, iron, crude oil, and coal are usually transported. The tramping method is often used for bulky or voluminous items that can be filled and shipped simultaneously.
Linear transportation is the second type of shipment. With predetermined routes and shipping intervals, this is an extremely controlled and punctual service. In linear transportation, shipments are not required to be at maximum capacity in order to be completed. Linear transportation is the most common mode of transportation for sea freight forwarding services.
The types of ships that are used in sea freight
The ocean shipping industry is incredibly versatile. The number of transportation options has increased over the past few years.
Sea freight forwarders can help you choose the most appropriate vessel. A wide range of sea freight transportation options are available to UK-based companies.
The Bulk Carriers
Bulk carriers are one of the most common ship classes. Typically, wood chips, grain, minerals, iron ore, and similar materials are transported in them.
Bulk carriers are designed to move only one type of cargo and have hydraulic hatches at the top. While their sizes may vary, they are typically 250 metres long.
Ships carrying general cargo
Ships of this type usually measure around 150 metres in length, but they can be longer. Unlike bulk carriers, which can only carry one type of cargo, these ships can carry up to five different types of freight.
Ships carrying general cargo often have refrigerated spaces for storing perishable items. A major part of sea freight services is negotiating with general cargo shipping companies.
A container ship
In the context of sea freight shipping, most people envision neatly arranged containers on a boat. In fact, this type of sea freight transportation is the standard worldwide.
Among the sea freight forwarding services offered by a forwarding company, container shipping should be at the top. The boats are specifically designed for carrying steel containers that are usually 5-15 metres in length.
A tanker
When it comes to hauling oil, tankers are the best choice. Various types of tankers are also available, and some are designed to carry liquids and gases.
It is easy to recognise a tanker by the large surface protruding from its main deck. There are tankers that can be up to 400 metres long when it comes to size.
What type of sea freight transportation does your business require?
The sea freight industry is efficient, cost-effective, and versatile. For those who work in the oil industry, sea freight forwarding with tankers is a must.
On the other hand, container ships and general cargo ships are your best bet if you need to transport a variety of materials and goods. A professional freight forwarding company should be partnered up with in any case.
GenX Freight offers sea freight shipping solutions tailored to each customer’s needs.
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